Chitosan and its derivatives as nanotheranostics in multiple diseases management: a clinical perspective

Chitosan, a biopolymer derived from chitin, has garnered substantial scrutiny in recent times, attributable to its versatile properties, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. These characteristics make it an ideal candidate for various medical applications, particularly in the field of nanomedicine. This review explores the emerging role of chitosan and its derivatives in nanotheranostics, which combines therapeutic and diagnostic modalities for the treatment of multiple diseases. The prospect of chitosan-based nanoparticles in the delivery of drugs, vector delivery, imaging, and disease monitoring has been extensively explored. The modification of chitosan with various functional groups, such as chitosan oligosaccharides, thiolated chitosan, carboxymethyl chitosan, glycol chitosan and other derivatives, enhances its pharmacokinetic properties, targeting capabilities, and therapeutic efficacy. Chitosan-based nanocarriers have shown potential in treating various conditions, including cancer, inflammation, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, by improving the solubility of drugs, stability, and controlled release. Additionally, chitosan has a theranostic role in imaging approaches such as optical imaging, ultrasound, and photoacoustic imaging, facilitating early diagnosis and monitoring of therapeutic responses. This review also addresses the disputes and future perceptions for the development of chitosan-based nanotheranostics, including issues related to scalability, regulatory approval, and long-term safety.